Smooth and suave gunman Silver (a terrific performance by the charismatic Gianni Garko) is hired to prove the innocence of no-count town black sheep Chester Conway (Klaus Kinski in fine slimy form), who's been sentenced to death for a murder he didn't commit. Writer/director Lorenzo Gicca Palli ably crafts a unique and compelling blend of the giallo and spaghetti Western genres that puts a greater emphasis on story over action. Fortunately, said tricky plot proves to be very engrossing and surprising while the relatively few action scenes are still exciting and well staged. Moreover, there's an interesting and provocative central theme about justice being properly served. The excellent acting from a bang-up cast helps matters a lot: Garko and Kinski do sterling work in the leads, with sturdy support from the lovely Gely Genka as feisty prostitute Polly Winters, Franco Abbiana as shrewd lawyer Jeff Plummer, Luciano Catenacci as the hard-nosed Sheriff Tom Stanton, Giancarlo Prete as a stern fire-and-brimstone preacher, Laura Gianoli as Polly's spiteful sister, and Alfredo Rizzo as ruthless jerk Judge Atwell. Both Franco Villa's expansive widescreen cinematography and Mario Migliardi's dynamic and dramatic score are up to speed as well. A neat and worthwhile film.
Review of The Price of Death
